06/07/2026
Itโs a Culinary Wrap. Wine & Food Week 2026 proved once again that exceptional wine and food have the power to transport, inspire, and connect as thousands gathered in The Woodlands for the 22nd annual celebration themed โGoing Places: Discover Where Wine Can Take You.โ
The week-long culinary journey culminated June 6 at The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase where Chef Mary Bass captured the coveted Chef of Chefs title and a $5,000 cash prize in one of the regionโs most prestigious culinary competitions. Chef Mary Bass who impressed judges with her Jumbo Gulf Mojo Shrimp- black bean puree + oaxacan sesame sauce + tomatillo + cotijaโa dish delivered culinary finesse.
Second Place and a $750 cash prize went to Chef Paul Friedman of The Chefโs Table for his Sticky Pork Belly- seared pork belly with a sticky guava sauce, and carrot ginger purรฉe.
Third Place and a $500 cash prize was awarded to Chef Beatriz Martรญnes of Xalisco for Pulpo Maya- Grilled Spanish octopus marinated in achiote adobo, served with sikil paโak (a traditional Mayan pumpkin seed paste), charred habanero pearls, and hoja santaโinfused tortilla. Accompanied by a fire-charred habanero sauce.
Peopleโs Choice Award for Best Dessert went to Marriott Resort Aruba Stellaris Casino Pastry Chef Chef Diego Palacios.
The distinguished judging panel included Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong; food journalist Phaedra Cook; Cleverley Stone Foundation President Katie Stone; Latin Bites Chef-Owner, Carlos Ramos; Bravado Spice Company CEO Jeremiah Tallerine; H-E-B Chef Brent Hurter, Chef Nancy Manlove, Chef Tristen Epps, Chef Sunil Srivastava, and PaperCity digital editor Laura Landsbaum.
Close to 90 restaurants, and over 500 wines were featured throughout the week in a dynamic lineup of events designed to take guests on a global tasting adventure.
โThis year marked our 22nd annual celebration and this yearโs theme, โGoing Places,โ perfectly reflects what wine, food, and travel experiences doโthey transport us, connect us, and create unforgettable memories,โ said event founder and Co-Producer Constance McDerby.
Cheers to a week of Going Places. The journey continues with upcoming events including Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting on August 22, the Platinum Wine Vault on September 18 at Bayway Cadillac, and the H-E-B Wine Walk at The Woodlands Resort on October 24.